The Best Gaming Keyboard for 2017

One of them is just your type.

By
Josh Norem

Picking the best keyboard is almost like picking the perfect pair of shoes - it largely comes down to personal preference. But if you're specifically in the market for a gaming keyboard, there can be no debate - you need a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards offer a better typing and gaming experience, are more satisfying to use, and just feel (and sound) cool. Therefore, all the keyboards we've evaluated here r are mechanical, as that is a baseline requirement for any "gaming" keyboard, in our opinion.

If you're looking for the best gaming keyboard, look no farther. We've combed through all the best mechanical keyboards, wired and wireless, to come up with our picks for the best gaming keyboards for 2017:

The Best Gaming Keyboard

G.Skill Ripjaws KM780R RGB Gaming Keyboard

We actually reviewed the non-R version of this keyboard, but the only difference is the R version does not include the extra textured keycaps for popular gaming keys as well as a small case for them. We didn't really dig the caps though, as they are too sharply angled for typing, so in our opinion the R version is the one to get, especially since it's less expensive too at just around $100 on Amazon. Also, this is probably the only documented case where adding an R to the name of something lowered its price.

This keyboard is the boss of the ones we tested because it has every feature you could ever want in a gaming keyboard at an extremely reasonable price, making it a very well-rounded package. First, it's available with either Cherry MX Red or Brown switches, so it has the most popular types of Cherry switches for gaming or typing. Second, it's totally loaded with features, including RGB lighting, a spacious wrist rest, six dedicated macro keys, media control buttons with a volume wheel, USB and audio pass-through, and it even has a little plastic arm that holds your mouse cable to prevent it from getting hung up on the edge of your desk. If you opt for the non-R version you even get textured keycaps and a little case for them that snaps onto the edge of the keyboard. Oh and if you like the style of this keyboard but don't like RGB lighting, there's an MX version that is the same but with red lights only.

More Great Options

Just for Gaming - Corsair K70 Rapidfire

The Corsair K70 is available in a few different versions but we tested the Rapidfire, which has switches designed to actuate with very little force. That type of feathery key is great for gaming, especially if you're tapping a key a few thousand of times per minute, but it it made the keyboard a bit too twitchy for day-to-day typing. We like its advanced lighting options and excellent media controls though, so if we had to do it all over again we'd probably just go with the Lux or standard RGB version.

Solid All-Around Gaming Keyboard - Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum

The Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum covers most of the bases and and is very good overall, but is missing some features it should have at this price, including a wrist rest and USB pass-through. However, its Romer G switches are tactile and satisfying, we like its volume wheel and media buttons, and its software is the best available. Its RGB lighting is also unique in that the keys are not open at the bottom like they are with Cherry switches, so only the key itself is lit, and there's no spillover.

FPS and LAN Gaming - Kingston HyperX Alloy FPS

Kingston's HyperX FPS Alloy is a unique entry into the category as it's designed for people who want a light, no-frills mechanical keyboard for FPS gaming. As such there are no media controls, macro buttons, or a wrist rest, and instead it has a detachable USB cable and includes a soft carrying case so you can easily stuff it in your rucksack. Highlights include textured keycaps for FPS keys along with a keycap removal tool, and the aforementioned travel bag. Its offered with Cherry MX Blue, Red, or Brown switches and you can choose any color of backlight as long as it's red.

Comfortable and Clicky - Razer BlackWidow X Ultimate

The Razer BlackWidow X Ultimate is surprisingly one of the least expensive name brand mechanical keyboards available due to its stripped-down design. It's just about $90 and uses Razer's clicky switches, green backlight, and its full-featured Synapse software. It's comfortable and incredibly well-made, but like the HyperX Alloy is missing some of the features we like in a gaming keyboard. Still, for the price it's a noteworthy option.

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